Good things happen when you eliminate the negative things from your life!

Hi guys,
Zee here, just wanted to share this beautiful piece I came across:

“Dear Human: You’ve got it all wrong. You didn’t come here to master unconditional love. This is where you came from and where you’ll return. You came here to learn personal love. Universal love. Messy love. Sweaty Love. Crazy love. Broken love. Whole love. Infused with divinity. Lived through the grace of stumbling. Demonstrated through the beauty of… messing up. Often. You didn’t come here to be perfect, you already are. You came here to be gorgeously human. Flawed and fabulous. And rising again into remembering. But unconditional love? Stop telling that story. Love in truth doesn’t need any adjectives. It doesn’t require modifiers. It doesn’t require the condition of perfection. It only asks you to show up. And do your best. That you stay present and feel fully. That you shine and fly and laugh…

If eyes marry ears Many stones of disappointments Will be thrown at fears The sun tells of its birth With its mildness as all bodies carry,

Even the albinos’, Scares almost all bodies into corners When it stands on its podium of peakhood And loses its light To make way for weak eyes To see it before it sinks If only our eyes marry our ears

II If only our eyes marry our ears We will hear the wails of the air And feel its fingers on our pores And its performance at its job No matter its complaints If only eyes marry ears And ears marry hearts As hearts marry brains The body polygamy Would have bred Individual harmony No matter how cruel death drags Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

The Autism help foundation has among its objectives the need to create awareness of people living with neuro disorders not only in Accra but in every corner of the country. That is why it is organising a health screening for these special people with the the aim of getting their numerical data. The screening comes off on March 7, 2016. The screening, backed by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts will be held in Greater Accra (at the Art Centre), Ashanti (Art Centre and Baffowaa Spot), Northern (Art Centre) and Upper West Regions (Wa School for the Deaf). It will be the first of the series of screening which aims at total nationwide coverage for numerical data.
For sponsorship please contact the President Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia or the National Secretary Sylvanus Bedzrah on Facebook or call +233-502-097-571.
Be bold enough to care for people with neuro disabilities in cash or kind.

King Gyaas commanded his soldiers to fire at Watcher. The soldiers obeyed with passion, scattering Watcher like dried leaf grinded into dust. Ntat shivered and barely managed to cage her cry of disgust and disappointment. We must live in harmony indeed! She thought. We are all together as one indeed! Her thoughts made her weep within but she crawled out of the porcupine killer and made her way out of The Palace before Gyaas could calm down. Steam was coming out of his nostrils and mouth as he puffed like one who just fought and conquered multitudes of enemies. His eyes shone in victory and still had lasers of intentions to extinct his enemies. His family looked on without batting an eye. The porcupines who felt bad for scattering Watcher wore uncertain countenances which were cleared after the spears of warning which were clearly sent from the pupils of King Gyaas which was obviously fully dilated.

Ntat did not know what to make of the information and what was seen. She dug a hole and hid in it for some time before making it to her family. When she told her mother about what had happened, her mother told her father and together, they went to the head of ant to lodge a complaint. The head of ant furiously went to see King Gyaas. No one knew what was discussed but before everyone knew what was happening, the head of ants, Archer, owned one hundred anthills filled with foods that could feed thousands of ants for over ten years in river areas. Ntat and her family disappeared from the Jungle kingdom but an interesting thing happened; Archer’s wife, Armaah, and their children also disappeared. Armaah’s description was on the lips of all the animals. Archer searched frantically for his family without success. So rich he had become materialistically, but very poor in relations, so he begun to drink.

Meanwhile all the animals were yet to see the improvement they were promised. Some complained but did not have the bravery to say it to the face of the king. There was a rumour walking the length and breadth of Jungle Kingdom that Watcher was murdered by the king for saying something he was not supposed to say causing his family to flee from Jungle Kingdom. Animals who fell within the game zones of carnivores got missing day after day. The Palace took reports but did nothing about them.

Famine and drought became more serious than they had ever experienced. Some animals were bold enough to march to The Palace to send their grievances but were beaten to a pulp. Later that day, Lion Gyaas scheduled a meeting for the next three days. All animals in the jungle were supposed to make it or face sanctions. The animals did not know what to make of this.

“Is he now ordering us when he promised to be our equals?” Goat Owar asked

The head of domestic cats; Silio, just blinked in confusion but before anyone could say jack dog exclaimed:

“Ei! So you are here bleating foul things about our king? This one, barking alone won’t help, it must be followed by a formal report”

So saying, dog left for The Palace but no one will grant him entry. So Dog Servio went back to his house, took a bath and went back there, saying he wanted to be the humble servant of the king. His family and himself.

King Gyaas was happy, at least he had animals who willingly offered their services. The king granted Servio an audience and was angrily pleased with him.

Silio and Owar were arrested and sent to King Gyaas at midnight. It was then that Bat Bright understood what Watcher said. He had seen them hunt for animals in the night but had never seen them take two different animals of the day from their fence and boarding at night. What was he to make of this? He knew so well that Watcher was murdered because he voiced out what he saw. Was he ready to be arrested and torn apart like Watcher?

The families of Silio and Owar followed them to the Palace but were left in front of the gate. The king who sat on the skin of an elephant had dogs kneeling by his side. Immediately he saw Silio and Owar, he walked menacingly on all fours and slapped them in turns with his paws. Their skins cried with blood as their bodies shook.

“So you Goa had the impudence to speak ill of me? And you cat, nature made us alike no matter your small frame. We are in the same circles but you decided to eat grass and mix it with any meat you get. That does not make us different. Because dog here says you said nothing, I will contain it. But he did also say he saw your face, and you agreed with what that idiotic goat said. I know no matter what I say, you will not open your mouth to mew. The fact that you are not looking at me with disdain and are shivering is enough. Goat will be used to appease me. And you must leave Jungle Kigdom before sunset, with your immediate family, or face my wrath”

Dog barked in concurrence the whole time, even to the disdain of the porcupine soldiers. Silio said in his head “So this is how stooges look?” and watched dog as much as he could before leaving the palace.

He heard goat scream loudly as he got to the main door and heard the exciting cravings of the little lions as their parents broke into the bones of Owar.

When he stepped out, he told the two families what had transpired, apologized to the family of Owar and asked his immediate family to prepare to set off. Owar’s family bleated so much that the porcupines came out and shot at them. Sileo stood on a rock and looked down one last time as the carcasses of Owar’s family were being dragged into the palace and jumped to lead his family out of Jungle Kingdom.

The next day, all animals in the Jungle Kingdom converged in front of the palace. Porcupines could be seen everywhere. Even hyenas and most of the high classed carnivores were seated on a mounted bamboo platform as King Gyaas took his time to dress. Nightingales and other sweet voiced animals sang melodious tunes in praise of King Gyaas as the birds with stronger feathers fanned the people seated at the high table. Foods could be seen there while the skinny physiques of all animals, including elephants graced the animal crowd. The sun also sat on its highest spot, throwing heat into the animal kingdom. Suddenly, all animals were asked to stand up and welcome their king. Something everyone did even before questioning in their heads. Guy giraffe was shocked that after all the time he took to dress, King Gyaas looked as mean as an angry mad cow but he was careful to keep this to himself as the cows sat next to him.

King Gyaas sat on the most beautiful part of the high table flanked by his peers. The high table was decorated with flowers with scents so pleasant. Most of the animals were confused. What are flowers to a lion? But all they could do was murmur. Then he sat on his hind legs and addressed the standing crowd:

“To begin, I will tell you I will not tolerate it if any of you speak ill of me. To the cats, I say, Cat Silio and his family have been banished from Jungle Kingdom for betraying the king of your land. Goat Owar and his family lost their lives for committing treason. Well, Owl Watcher too. That I am your king does not give you the right to malign me. You all know that it is difficult to come by water nowadays because of the weather. I did all that I could to boost the water levels but it just dawned on me that I am no God. So the palace is in a water crisis. For your king to think and think well, he needs food and water. Due to the grass I have been taking, my furs are growing thin. There is nothing I can do right now but to go back to carnivorism. Herbivorism, no matter how appropriate, is not for my kind. I think words are best said but deeds grant us the opportunity to experience what is workable and what is not. Honesty is better than dishonesty. So please understand me and help me live instead of dying. I do not want you to grumble so to be fair, all animals within my game zone will present one of their kinds to The Palace every one working week. I will try my hardest to dwell on this as I think through ways to get us the fertile land we need.”

The animals grumbled loudly but were shut up following the scary scares of the arrows of the fearsome porcupines.

We met as a set Fitting halves that chanced to jet Fluttering hearts that attracted many a bet And in between, no room to let Bad winds and whispers did feel their fret Which they threw like a ball freed fresh from the net Sad that I am now his flibbertigibbet

II If anyone had given a future photograph Of our road map of present By plotting an effective graph I would have had his angelic side in a bad box to resent Such a rhyme turned an unrhyming sound From a cool set to a flibbertigibbet? Such hug-able space to a hellish distance Should I talk in an aside Or a soliloquy?

III The seat of the crown Now wears a pierced water-filled bucket Dripping in mud shoes On the face he kissed To wash the feet of disappointment which parades this heart A flibbertigibbet, he says

IV Oh airy air! Do keep me company But keep my pain In a door and windowless stone One which has no mouth to echo For this pain is so insane Heart which roars like an angry lion Needing that healing and the doors of Zion I guess I have a space in a future bio To rain cool words On a burning heart Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

On Monday 22nd February, 2016, the case involving the seven citizens and the Ministry of Transport and the Attorney General was called for the first time in court. Court proceedings took place at the Human Rights Court 2, Accra. The Respondents (that is the Minister of Transport and the Attorney General) had failed to file an affidavit in opposition to the substantive application for enforcement of human rights within the stipulated time provided by the rules of court. Thus the Applicant filed for the matter to be set down for hearing today.

In court, the judge informed counsel for the Applicants that the Respondents had just filed an affidavit in opposition dated 19th February, 2016. Further that in the affidavit in opposition, the Respondents had raised a preliminary legal objection as to the procedure for the commencement of the action. Consequently the learned judge directed that both counsel address the court on the preliminary legal objection by filing legal arguments. The case was adjourned to 9th March, 2016 for continuation.

For those at sea, on 22 December, 2015, a group of civic minded citizens in collaboration with the legal team of the CitizenGhana Movement sued the Minister of Transport and the Attorney General on the GHC3.6million Smartys Bus Branding Scandal. The suit, numbered HR/0037/2015 was commenced at the Human Rights Court essentially for an enforcement of the fundamental right to information under Article 21(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

An official search conducted at the registry of the honourable court revealed that although the processes were served on both the Ministry of Transport and the Attorney General on 23 December 2015, as at 28th January, 2016, neither of them had filed any reaction to the application by these citizens.

Any Other Monday is a family drama produced by Abc Pictures and directed by Pascal Amanfo. It will be premièred in Accra at the SilverBird Cinemas, West Hills Mall and Accra Mall all in Accra on March 4, 2016 from 6am to 9am.
The movie, directed by Pascal Amanfo and featuring Yvonne Nelson, Kafui Danku, Doris Sackitey, Jose Tolbert, Kunle Rhemy, Selly Galley, Victoria Micheals, Emman Donkor, is a satire which makes us see that we all wear masks. A wise man once said “We all live a LIE
at some point or the other”. You want to know how true that is? Make sure you make time for the premier on March 4, 2016. Who others think we are may be different from who we really are. Fact or Fiction? Truth or Dare? Our secrets, no matter how long we hide them, will eventually surface like oil hidden deep into water and stare us in the face. When that time comes, it will be on a day like ANY OTHER MONDAY.

For all that I am lent
For all the time I have spent
To stand or bend I have learnt
Because this world is nothing but a rent
With my cents come my dent
I am sent
And will leave this tent
And after I turn, none will know where I went
So now I can with hardwork scent
To pay until exhaustion of my rent
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

As I search around for the money tree Whose leaves I need to live life free I come across her long huge beak Which did a very huge name seek “I want nothing but one on peak Just a pizza from Tacorobama” And I go like “what from where or what?”

II Ei Awuraba yi You measure your height with the sky When you can hardly touch The neck of your door What from where Or where from what? I can only say Banku calls from Buhari

Chai!

II Oh just two Ghana can fetch you “bhim” Buhari Huge big ball With a watery call Forget carcasses when hunger calls And by all means See a priest to heal alien meals With huhudious names From unmentionable places

Before long, carnivores called for a meeting. A meeting chaired by Hyenas. The head of Hyenas, Hues, spoke

“I know that I am from one of the least powerful group here but I called this meeting to draw our attention to the implication of Lion’s message. It will kill us if we move from carnivores to herbivores. We only know a few herbs which cure our ailments. We don’t know them as food. If we give Gyaas the nod, we are doomed. We are finished, we are done for. A mass funeral with our carcasses on display will be our portion”

All present said “May God forbid”

“Then either we talk to that Gyaas or find a way to make sure he losses. You know the latter is difficult to achieve as he has won all the herbivores over. Even among the omnivores he has a huge backing. Killing Gyaas and making sure all his family are extinct is not an easy task”

Python chipped in “The things you say Hues! Let’s just speak to Lion. I know he may have a solution. After all, he is part of our zone. Good to know you are thinking but that law could actually save you from Lions and your masters at your superior end of the food chain but I guess your greedy thirst will not make you yield to the freedom the law promises you. Let’s go and meet Lion Gyaas then”

All the carnivores marched to the den of Lion Gyaas and presented their case. Gyaas surprised them by laughing so hard upon seeing the serious faces they wore and listening to their grievances.

“My dear family. You know you are my family. Will I sit by and watch you die together with me? This is a game of thrones. We need to be the royal family. When we climb that stool, we will know how to go about our deeds. This time, all we need is their nodding. The more nods we get, the better our chances of hunting for more. Instead of going to hunt, they will bring their game selves to us. Don’t you get tired of playing hide and seek with your dishes before hunting them down? Just play along. This is a game in our favour. We need wisdom to succeed. He whom royalty fits must have a good head. We are in one class so understand. In the meantime, make sure no one sees you hunting another animal. Do that in secrecy to help me gain power. Power for me is power for us. Remember, even one hawk does not fear catching a chick in the midst of many fowls because of the power of strength. Strength coupled with all nods is absolute power. Who can fight against that?”

The carnivores heaved sighs of relief and shook hands with Lion and his wife; Striker, who had grown bigger in just a few hours, reeking of blood. The young ones came out with blood all over their mouths. The family head of Vultures, Opeteristas, stood on the far end of the tree close to the den and cheered them on silently.

Meanwhile, herbivores and some omnivores sang and danced to their hearts’ praises, loving the idea of freedom. While the other omnivores looked on, asking whether or not they would be able to quench their thirst for blood or curb their cravings for meet.

Crocodiles went into their seas and campaigned massively for Lion after Swans had campaigned. Even the water animals jubilated upon hearing the good news from the mouths of the propagandists who so differed in their choices of food and lifestyle. That every animal on land spoke for Lion won all nods even before the Nodding Day.

On the Nodding Day, every animal who could make it represented. The Nodding Day took place on the shores of the biggest sea which was barely a sea so all animals were able to represent. The land around that area was full, the sky around that area was full, and the sea was filled to the brim. Many sea animals travelled for days through the dirtiest of mud to be able to make it to cast give their nods. Even weak birds flew from North, South, East to the Western Palace Land to give their nods. Animals in the deserts walked miles on end to give their nods. In the end, Lion had the nods of all animals except Owl Watcher. But no one recognized his nod as anything important. At last, Lion Gyaas was king of the Jungle Kingdom. The first thing that happened was all animals bowing before him as he stood with his face into the sky as if telling God “I did it”.

Watcher asked those around him why they bow when they are all supposed to ascend the stool but they called him a disgruntled wizard of a bird who only loved catastrophe.

After the nodding, while all the animals moved to their original zones, King Gyaas made all grown porcupines his protectors, moving all the lion family to the most comfortable part of the jungle. He named the place, The Palace. Most of the animals were surprised and some started complaining. Hawk who was given the position of propagandist told a few animals that that was King Gyaas’ own way of studying the most suitable land and making in order to make the rest of the kingdom same for all. Within the day, almost all the animals had heard of this thought and praised the name of King Gyaas as the wisest king to rule Jungle Kingdom. Those who lived close to The Palace zones visited and were given water as the birds with the most beautiful voices serenaded them into complete reverence. They left with the song on their lips

“Gyaas is the King of Kings

The king who pain flings

The king who catapults fear in slings

The king who peace bell rings

Oh Gyaas is the King of Kings”

Meanwhile, Watcher made it his business to tell all those who cared to know that their king was the most cunning animal in the Jungle. He told Bat Bright

“You just study the carnivores in the night instead of hunting for food. And you will see what I am talking about. I will not open my mouth to tell why I am strongly against Gyaas and I won’t stop saying he is the worst thing that happened to Jungle Kingdom but I am confident you will find out soon enough.”

Three days after the nodding, three porcupines arrested Watcher in his sleep in broad daylight. The animals did not know what to make of the arrest. For no one had been arrested before in Jungle Kingdom. All animals were asked to sleep and not to wander around. Ant Ntat risked his life and stuck on one of the porcupines’ fur to know what all that was about. The protectors threw Watcher on the ground. Day burned his eyes as he struggled to see what was going on.

“So you go about talking ill of me huh?”

Watcher recognized the voice immediately. Gyaas’.

“You can fool all the animals in this jungle but you can’t fool me Gyaas”

Gyaas became angry. “What? Gyaas? You dare defy me by calling me Gyaas? This is pure treason. Tell me why you disrespect me so or pay with your life”

Ant Ntat regretted being stuck on a fur shivering like weak cotton in the winds. Gyaas’ voice had turned deep. He shook like he suffered from epilepsy and all his body decorations fell like on an order. He stood as himself, mane and all. Echoes of anger reverberating from him as his sweat poured from his mane. Something Ntat had never seen before.

“I know whatever I do will lead to my death. I see through you. I know your little secret. I got to know even before the Nodding Day. If those fools had listened to me, they would never have given you their nods. Angel in the day, hunter of souls at night”

Gyaas roared like he had never done before. The kingdom shook although none knew what had caused the King such anger. He roared and roared as the porcupines sought grounding so as not to fall.

II
I have also gone beyond the fear of canes
Many strokes for a bad deed
More strokes for sluggishness
Marking and scarring to remind for years
Its haunts for run
Have been eased by years
It can do it all but cause me no fears

III
I have also jumped the tall windows of insults
Having them walk, jump, run
Out of mouths of beloveds to blow me
Like a boxer on cocaine
This body has developed its resistance
So needs no assistance

IV
It was a hurtful blessing
Growing as a breeding Ghanaian seed
In the archaic time
When children shadowed the old
So I have gone passed the okro slime of pain
And stand fearless
Know your opponent
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

The accident involving a Metro Mass bus which claimed 62 lives has set many on furious road. In a chat with amoafowaa after the Joy FM NewsNight, Nana wrote:
“In examining emergency preparedness and response in the aftermath of the Kintampo accident.

See, unless we start speaking with bluntness about the state of affairs in our nation, we won’t improve.

For some of us who travel across Africa and not just across West Africa, it is clear how far we are being left behind as a nation by others who a few years ago couldn’t hold a torch to us. Our politicians continue to blow grammar in praising their abilities to throw crumbs our way, when they are in power, and join us to lament the mess they have created for us as a nation, when they are out of power. The only people who remain with the mess at all times are you and I, the ordinary people.

There is zilch emergency response in Sikaman. The best health policy is the grace of God and if you don’t have grace and money, you will die faster than the rate at which sim card prices fell.

Our leaders continue to praise themselves. The slide downwards continues. The people look on, afraid to talk. Content to be in political camps.

Long live the farce.

Nsempiisms. My mouth has fallen.”
Many are the rumours flying about. Many claim that most drivers of Metro Mass buses, which is state owned are mostly drunk, rude and drive recklessly. Others claim they are not even serviced as they should from time to time. Nana calls on all Ghanaians to speak bluntly so issues can be resolved. He further stated that his focus is on the bad emegency response which Kintampo only served as costly example.
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

Programmes on television networks are supposed to be fun, educating, entertaining and lively and I am glad to say that Celebrity Fanzone GH hosted by Jessica Opare Saforo and two positively opinionated ladies; Chantelle Asante and Akosua Hanson, is one such programme. I was so glad watching it last weekend because it is difficult to come by such a lovely and decent programme on air these days. Celebrity Fanzone focuses on a panel of three female co-hosts, tasked with discussing a variety of current, lifestyle and entertainment issues with one other guest host. The programme airs on Viasat 1 at 9:00pm every Saturday and repeated again on Wednesday at midday. Last week, they touched on three important current events. They touched on the death of Hon. J. B. Danquah, the National Media Commission’s press statement against the tasteless feud between Valentina and Hon. Kennedy Agyapong and the tragic killing of two brothers; Francis Gbeneh, 33 and Timothy Gbeney, 28 by the police.

I loved the fresh perspective on the Valentine-Agyapong feud where the honourable minister was made aware of his “dishonourable” conduct and Valentina (Afia Schwarzenegger) was described as she really is; the sharp tongued journalist that almost all media networks seek.I also applauded Akosua when she brought in the fact that most men try to step on women using their sexuality during misunderstandings. As I always say, all men are born of women so must respect women as such and Hon. Agyapong’s threat of exposing nude pictures of her was totally uncalled for. I think there was no need for Hon. Agyapong to even respond to Valentina’s taunts. The woman is an acclaimed comical figure and no one would have given it a second thought if he had brushed it off. On this note, I ask that Hon. Agyapong gets a PRO to speak for him in all cases. He should not take up the task of defending himself when pushed to the wall.

I loved the fact that Jessica questioned why Valentina was not sanctioned after an error like that and the question as to whether it is okay for the National Media Commission (NMC) to JUST speak against the act. I could hear the unasked question “Can’t the NMC do more?” I call on The Chairman for the NMC, Mr. Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng to do more to bring decorum into the media spectrum.

I must also commend the love mood to evoked for the Pre-Valentine Celebration. Seeing Chantelle Hyper for love was very refreshing. Seeing Jessica excited was also very refreshing. The way they carry themselves on stage, their flawless eloquency, their beautiful dressing really make the programme one to watch. In all, Celebrity Fanzone Gh is a programme which gets my vote when it comes to all the positivity that television must bring. Follow them on Facebook on Celebrity Fanzone Gh.

Times have turned upside down
Although their legs race changeth not
Funny
How their shovels
Turning minds of beings like reckless farmers tilling land
Has bought dizziness for my visual chords

II
What do you say of this abomination?
Where gyms take strength meant for lands?
These are hard times
Hard times when plants and trees give their all
But hands fail to replace them
Knowing well they are the breath and bread
Which honour our lives’ continuance
These are hard times

III
Hard times when religions hold guns and bombs and machetes
Hard times when minds have been eaten by the urge of belongingness
Hard times when temporal beings claim jurisdictions met at birth
Laying their lives for those who love earthly rule
Giving rights to papers to rule beings like puppets
As the very few are tasked to feed zillions
These are hard times

IV
Hard times which demand
The awakening of dead minds
Buried in the caked mud of senselessness
Hard times which demand us to be murderers
Murderers murdering in cold blood
Quest for more in the midst of sluggishness
Murderers hunting and pulling down
The urges to dance and dine
Without giving lands our future to hold and nurture
Crowns sat not on heads of hungry kings
When battles lurked and begged to be conquered
As mouths are found on most beings
And holes are made into defective beings to feed and grow
So must thoughts see the essence of growing land
To grow their greedy selves
How is it fair that we shame some untimely deaths
By modern knowledge and still expect few hands
To feed those we snatched from teeth of death?
These are hard times
Hard times so wake and erect change in reflectivity
Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

The spine of a leaf Will bend to betray dew drops If the drops become too heavy As to cause it to break The hardness of a tortoise back Does not mean it can carry a tractor As the dog hops to catch flies Which digs its wound to cause it pain So will hands clap to kill mosquitoes If it fails to leave their blood

I know the anthill has many inhabitants

But still makes room for its builders Laugh like a jingle bell Belch like a satisfied lion Hop like a baboon which smells a pleasant pain Run like an antelope Dig like a rat Step like an elephant Only if I get to keep me all For your living rights Must pause to think Where my breath hunts its oxygen Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2015

“Kwadjo, nobody loves me. Why don’t they love me? This is my 17th relationship. And they all leave me before even asking me to the altar.” Shiela squeaked amidst the flowing tears.

“Am I that ugly? Am I that stupid? Do I love foolishly? Are there things I do that make me unlikeable? Kwadjo please tell me! Say something”

Kwadjo looked at his friend of fifteen years. Having loved her for over sixteen years, he had watched her go through all the relationships. It all start with her swearing the man is the “most awesome man on the planet”. Then she will talk about their romantic moves to woo her, show him their gifts and giggle while receiving their calls, all in his presence. Then it will get to the time when she struggles to get hold of them without success and the depressing breakups and his dirty job as the wiper of her tears. She will cry in his arms and treat him as though he is nothing but a jobless feminine friend.

“What do you want me to say Akosua Korantemma” Shiela stopped crying and looked at him.

“This is the first time you have called me by my maiden name. What is happening? Am I boring you with my tears and whining?”

Kwadjo nodded. “You really are grinding my heart into sand.”

It was Shiela’s turn to act surprised. “What did I do? It must have been bad. I have never seen you act this way”

Kwadjo sat down and was amazed at the concern on her face. “Are you that concerned for me? Then look into my ears, feel my heartbeat and form your conclusion”

Shiela did and felt weird. It seems Kwadjo wants her as a woman but it is something she could not see herself doing. She regarded her as a big brother. She felt bad immediately. She had never seen him with any woman before. Her mother had always called him “Adwoa the Dog” for following her and supporting her without anything in return. And he had seen all her relationships. How can a man endure so much? She felt ashamed of herself and felt like a horrible friend who never saw his tears but always made him clean his. Seventeen boyfriends and he had been there all through. Not that he is good for nothing, not that he lacked money, not that he is stupid. She knows so many girls and ladies who are dying to be with him but can she be one of them? If she goes out with him, there is a probability that their relationship will also be ruined and she will lose his friendship and regret forever. And now that she thinks about it, if she does not go out with him, their relationship can never be the same again. Then again she could use this to her advantage. Going out with her best friend will make her know what she does wrong to ruin her relationships.

“Say something Shee Baby. You are making me nervous. This is the first time I have seen you speechless. And it is shaking my grounds of nervousness” Kwadjo pleaded.

“Promise me one thing Kwadjo” He readily agreed. “That no matter what happens between us, you will never cease to be my friend” Kwadjo promised whole heartedly but Shiela made him sign a bond of agreement. He signed that amidst laughter.

“Your first mistake is to make me sign this bond. It is telling me that you have a vision of a failing end. But I will show you that love is selfless. And knowing you as I do, I know I am ably aided” Kwadjo said. Shiela felt caught. Could it be that he knew he was using him? She shrugged and forgot about it.

So started a relationship that Kwadjo treasured but Shiela dreaded but after their first kiss, it was obvious it could be one of the fairytale stories. It was all smooth until Kwadjo was transferred to the neighbouring town; Kome to take over their company there. Back in Krapa, he had lunch with Shiela who was his colleague. He went to work with her and came back home with her. Having a car, he dropped her at her house before heading home. That had been their ritual for almost seven years.

Shiela cried secretly when news of his transfer broke. The co-workers looked on. Some sorry for both of them, others relieved because of their annoying love taunts. Kome was a boring place after work but the work schedule was too much being the regional capital. There was hardly time to breathe at the bank. Being the manager, there were always meetings and supervising and also solving one drama after another. He had never been as busy as he is in recent times. He spoke to Shiela first thing in the morning, called her at lunch and called her when he goes home. But Shiela kept calling him even in meetings. He tried explaining what was happening but she was too angry to listen. Before Kwadjo knew what was happening, Shiela had turned into an abusive lady, always suspecting him of cheating and or neglecting. So he arranged for her leave and brought her to Kome to spend time studying his schedules. Each morning he left with her for work. He created a room for her in his office and made sure she saw everything he did. From skipping meals to attending meetings, Shiela felt sorry for him.

“I am sorry Kwadjo for all the insults and troubles. I did not know. Maybe it was because of my failed relationships” She said in a shameful tone one evening after work.

Kwadjo took her into his arms and stroked her hair. “A man is a man and seeks to be a man to his better half always Shiela. Once you insult a man, his ego becomes bruised and most men run off after that. Some men cannot stand needy women. A woman who calls her man all the time is deemed needy because most men refuse to think of the possibility that they are lonely. There are opposing fears here. The man might decide to terminate the relationship or the woman might stop complaining and calling when she gets the attention she seeks somewhere. Relationships are huge examinations which require practical answers in historic happenings”

Shiela felt ashamed of herself. She instantly recognised that she had been the cause of most of her breakups. She loved calling to complain, calling to accuse, calling to insult. She held on to Kwadjo tightly without saying a word.

“The worst of troubles in relationships is when the woman calls out for a breakup. The man becomes afraid at first but the seed of jilting is planted firmly and so he begins to look for a replacement instead of trying to solve the issue at hand. Immature men do this. Promise me you will always think of things before saying them to me. I love you Shiela and my love is above all our problems.”

Shiela knelt down with tears streaming down her face.

“I cannot promise you this. I just have to apologise first. No man has ever taken me through his mind, into his heart to show me what goes on there. You are the first. I am so sorry for all I put you through, my harsh words. I don’t deserve you Kwadjo.”

Kwadjo took her into his arms again. “Don’t say that. We live and learn. There is no kneeling apology between people who love each other. Just the usual “sorry love, I now see my mistake” will do. I love you and loving you means taking all your faults and trying to make the bad better. When I wrong you, tell me lovingly in secret. That is what love is about”

With that, they made up. Shiela became content with her three calls. Time hardly flew by when news reached Kwadjo that one of their colleagues was dating his Shiela. He took his leave and went to see things for himself. He went everywhere with her. He was in Krapa for three days without Shiela knowing. He felt jealous because Shiela did not tell him about Dan, her colleague. He followed them into a bar and saw them drinking. Something he used to do with her a lot. He realised that he had been the cause of some of her breakups. He approached them and looked at their faces. Shiela was pleased and jumped to embrace him while Dan sat with traces of jealousy on his face. Kwadjo knew then what was happening. He was beginning to love his Shiela. He saw himself in him and pleaded after one drink to take her home but Shiela said

“Why plead? He and I were just having a drink. If my boyfriend is here, my friend can understand. Let’s go Kwadjo dear.”

That statement absolved all his doubts but he took her to his apartment and gave her his little present. Then decided to talk it out with her.

“Dan? You never mentioned him.”

Shiela laughed. “I never discuss my male friends with my boyfriends. It is just not right. I feel some way about it”

Kwadjo laughed. “Telling your boyfriend about your male friend puts him at ease. Trying to make them friends actually works better. I could have the misconception that you are lovers. And that can make any man withdraw. I must say sorry. I actually came here to see things for myself after I was told by over three people that you were going out with Dan. Jealousy is a bad feeling Shee Baby. Promise to tell me things and to at least put some limit between Dan and yourself.”

Shiela was amazed at the man who sat before her. Why on earth did she go out with all those jerks? Well, maybe she acted like a bitch to turn them into jerks. “Sorry honey. I never thought about that and I promise to watch out and put some distance between us.”

Kwadjo asked her to open her parcel and it was a car key. He had taught her how to drive and had forced her to get a driver’s license. Shiela was thrilled. “It is a car! A car for crying out loud Kwadjo”

She hugged him “I am so lucky to have you. I carry the bond we signed everywhere. Here, I am tearing it up. I know we can overcome all our problems no matter how intense. You have shown me with every hurdle we’ve bridged so far. You are the best part of me. God bless you.”

Many are the problems they faced in their relationship but none was able to shake their foundation. Kwadjo had ears to listen, Shiela had a mind to think rationally and they both had the maturity to admit their faults and make up in every bad situation they encountered. Love is friendship of respect and a mind of maturity to dissect all that the heart processes. So Shiela and Kwadjo tied the knot and lived as happy as any human couple could live.

Our guest post for today is hot, very stylish, a smooth talker and a budding Ghanaian actor. He is an unknown face but a young talented and promising one. And guess what? His birthday is February 14. He is Perez Dziwornu.

AMOAFOWAA: You are welcome to amoafowaa.com

PEREZ: Thank you

AMOAFOWAA: Please who is Perez Dziwornu?

PEREZ: Dziwornu Perez is the everyday guy who is always looking for the best out of everything. A hundred percent Voltarian. Loves adventure, I’m the last person you want to dare. I am an actor as you said, upcoming though. I also model for friends in Ho-Poly who are pursuing Fashion, it’s been 3 years in a row..

AMOAFOWAA: Tell us about growing up

PEREZ: I’m the first born, and as it stands, the only male, I have 3 biological sisters, my childhood was fun, for the aunt whom I grew up was always on the move, I think it’s one of the reasons I have picked bits and pieces of most local languages, from, Ga, Fante, Hausa to Dagbani. I started schooling at {Mortal Regiment} nursery then, now 66 Artillery Regiment Nursery and Day Care, then I was bundled off to aunts in Peki-Blengo in the South- Dayi District, where I attended {Gavco Demonstration School} it’s the practicing school of the Peki College of Education as its known now. Then I came back to Ho to Dora Memorial School as one of the founding members of the school for the proprietor Mrs Vida Aku-Sika Dzobo was a distant Aunt.. From there I was moved to Mawuli E.P. Primary & JHS in Ho, the regional capital due to financial hurdles my Dad was going through those days. I completed my basic education there. I proceeded to Mawuli School nicknamed {Volta University} where I offered Food & Nutrition. A course most people say was for girls, I was one of 3 guys who were in my year batch {2004-2007}. It was a taunting first 2 years in Mawuli Sch. The mockery and all other forms of abuse, phew. But I have fond memories of my stay. Like one time when I took my girlfriend (who was in OLA-Ho then and had come to our school premises for the annual inter-schools sports festival) into my dormitory, I could have been sacked if caught, it was a crazy life back then, but that action earned me the respect of both mates and juniors. I think I was in my final year of second year. I was very sporty, I played basketball, was part of the athletics team, I used to run cross-country, 5000 and 1500.

AMOAFOWAA: Many troubles growing up?

PEREZ: I can remember falling off a coconut tree when I was in junior high school. It was on one Sunday afternoon and I had not gone to church that day. There was nothing at home and I was famished, it wasn’t my first time climbing and wasn’t my last time either. I just don’t know what happened that particular day. Before I could say jack, I was on the floor. I had 3 stitches under my jaw. The mark is still visible. Growing up was a tiresome job, for I knew not whom my Mum was, I was in my final year in high school when I finally and actually got to know her, it was one weird and awkward moments of my life, had felt a lot of hatred towards her, but that day, I was filled with mixed emotions. I had tons of questions for her. It was like, words left me for the 2 or so hours I was with her. Eventually I’m sure one day I’ll ask those questions but not any time soon. After 2007, I went to live with friends and families all over Accra. My Dad wanted me to go to College of Education, but I declined. After about 4 or so years in the wilderness as he prefers to call it, I gained admission into University of Cape Coast to pursue Bsc Psychology & Foundations of Education. I was in Atlantic Hall in UCC, so I’m a proud Mariner… Whiles in school, I had a little affair with a couple of radio stations {ATL in UCC, Hits Fm, Accra. Kekeli radio in Ho} because most peeps that I meet go like, your voice should be on the airwaves, I remember one particular lady who said listening to my voice almost gave her {orgasms}. Chaaaaaaaaiiiii..

AMOAFOWAA: Chai!

PEREZ: I was trying to pursue acting all these years, been to over a dozen auditionings. After university I came back to take charge of Pacesetters {Drama club in Mawuli Sch} it was on one this visits that I got the opportunity to meet with Leila Djansi.

AMOAFOWAA: Wow! God bless her. Any hobbies?

PEREZ: Writing, basketball, weight lifting and above all acting.

AMOAFOWAA: Oh so acting is a hobby. Why acting?

PEREZ: When I was in basic 4 or 5, we had a cultural festival, and I found myself among the children who were to recite poetry. My poem was one lengthy piece and the only way to prevent it from becoming boring was to add a little bit of drama to it, which most people who witnessed said I did gracefully. That was just the beginning of the journey. In high school (Mawuli School, Ho) I joined the Pacesetters as our drama club is affectionately called, where I learnt the ins and outs of acting. Pacesetters laid a solid foundation for whoever I am today and would ever become. Thanks to Mr. Kubiti Jude who was our director then. He is one in million. God bless him..

AMOAFOWAA: What are the movies you’ve been featured in so far?

PEREZ: My first movie is yet to be premiered, (Like Cotton Twines) I starred alongside Yvonne Okorro, Adjetey Annan, David Dontoh and Hollywood’s finest Jay Ellis with award winning producer and director Leila Djansi. She’s phenomenal. I used to dream working with her and now it’s a reality. Currently filming (Wake Up). The storyline is beautiful. I can’t wait to see it done.

AMOAFOWAA: Fancy. Any role models?

PEREZ: In Ghana. Adjetey Annan, Majid Michel, then I have Bruce Willis, DenzelWashinton and above all Jason Statham.

AMOAFOWAA: Who can gain your respect?

PEREZ: Anyone true to themselves. I have a thing for genuine peeps.

AMOAFOWAA: What is the ugliest thing you’ve ever done?

PEREZ: The ugliest moment in my life came when I was dared to walk half naked to the street junction of our home.. Like I said, I’m the last person you want to dare.. For I walked to the junction and back.. Phew.. Crazy life. I know right.. Some of the things I did, when I look back, I smile, some I frown but there are no mistakes in life, just lessons learnt…

AMOAFOWAA: True. How do you see Ghallywood and Nollywood in ten years?

PEREZ: Ruling the world, becoming a power house, competing with the likes of Bollywood and Hollywood, so the world can respect us for what we have become and how far we come. But let’s give young talents a try. That’s the only way we can grow our industry.

AMOAFOWAA: Let’s talk about roles. What types of roles do you see yourself playing more in the future and why?

PEREZ: Any role I think and actually know as a good actor, your ability to play varying roles makes you a King.

AMOAFOWAA: How do you want your fans to perceive you?

PEREZ: As the everyday Ghanaian.

AMOAFOWAA: Married, single or complicated?

PEREZ: Phew… It’s complicated.

AMOAFOWAA: If you were not into acting, what would you be doing?

PEREZ: I haven’t thought of it. Maybe teaching, life coach.

AMOAFOWAA: What is your view on emancipation of women?

PEREZ: It’s a good thing, but it must not be abused, like democracy is.

AMOAFOWAA: Any political views?

PEREZ: No. I don’t entertain politics, I’ll rather do my little to help build up Mother Ghana than depend on a (politrictian) as they are called.

AMOAFOWAA: Which actor or actress in Ghana disgusts you most and why?

PEREZ: Hahahahahahahahaha… None yet…

AMOAFOWAA: Actors and actors are good pretenders and must not be trusted. What is your view on this?

PEREZ: Really? Is that how we are perceived? Ohh my oh my. Interesting. I’ve come across good, bad and ugly actors, not as in looks, but ones who want the world to bow to them when they have nothing to offer the world. So I think we should deal with them individually. .

AMOAFOWAA: Do you think you can handle absolute fame?

PEREZ: LOL.. What’s absolute fame? What’s to change about me in 5-10 years. I’m still me. With Jah all things are possible.

AMOAFOWAA: Do you take criticisms very well?

PEREZ: Yes, for I think criticisms is the only way you can build yourself up and become a better you. For even the Good Book speaks about it, it’s good for growth.

AMOAFOWAA: Are you a sports fan? If you are which sport, which teams do you support and why?

PEREZ: Yes, football. Chelsea, for Roman Abrahmovich has done a great job since taking over as owner and doing a fantastic job still at the helm of affairs.

AMOAFOWAA: What has been your greatest challenge in life and why?

PEREZ: Trusting people, for the very people I call family have betrayed me severally. It’s true what they say, that a total stranger would rather help you to the top than family.

AMOAFOWAA: How were you able to face your challenges?

PEREZ: There’s nothing impossible under the sun, once you believe, you are on the verge of solving it.

AMOAFOWAA: Belong to any religious sect?

PEREZ: I’m a Christian and fellowship at ICGC .

AMOAFOWAA: Sell yourself to the world through your thoughts

PEREZ: As upcoming actor, I just want to let world know what I’ve got and what drives me. I eat acting, drink acting and probably breathe acting. 5 years from now, I’m winning my first Oscars. Yeah, I know right, I get that look all the time, I’m not there yet but I’m no longer where I was yesterday… I’ll get there soon. you’ll be first to do that story on me when I get that nominations..

AMOAFOWAA: Awww. I appreciate that. Any advice for people who are passionate about acting?

PEREZ: Eclss 7:8 says the end thereof of everything is better than the beginning. Don’t think about the money you can make just yet, add value to yourself, and when the times comes you’ll enjoy the fruits of your toil. And always believe anyone can do it, but just you can do it better. Optimize every opportunity that comes your way, for at the end of the day you’ll regret more the things you never dared to do. And learn, learn, learn and learn till you can learn no more.

AMOAFOWAA: Your final words on Amoafowaa.com

PEREZ: Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

AMOAFOWAA: Thank you for your time on Amoafowaa.com

PEREZ: It was a great pleasure sweets. God bless your beautiful soul.. Peace.

Before the first cry of dew Stepped on the ever thirsty leaf Minds which thought of the Omnipotent were few Because they behave like the deaf

II He who crocheted you like a cloth Hoards true love for you as your God He who made you up from scratch Loves you no matter how much you are worth

III The love of a human Cannot be equated to God’s It sure is a blessing to get a walking stick That stands like a tower And helps you soar

IV But right in every little heart Is the equal love Of our dear God Who knows no beauty And knows no fame Who knows no married And knows no shame Who gave all stages to live and faze The inevitability of death Is just a clue And living in air to be hatched, started our dew Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

From today, February 13, 2016, I start a weekly series titled Jubilation of Onomatopoeiaisms. on amoafowaa,com This story will be continued every Saturday until it ends. Please do follow the thrills. You don’t want to miss this

Once upon the time, King Eagle was the king of the Jungle Kingdom. The animals became thirsty as drought brought its royal stool to their lands and became comfortable striking the skins of their land which rebelled by ceasing to grow seeds and plants it was given to keep the cycle of life active. Then it dawned on the entire kingdom that eagle seldom stays in the jungle. Even his family lived in a very tall tree far away. He comes to the jungle to give orders and to take any animal it deemed fit for his family. Then leaves without a care as to whether there is water or the animals are safe. He never adjudicates matters and cares not for the vulnerable in the kingdom. So the animals met in his absence to talk about impeaching him for a more competent one. Then, a penguin had travelled all the way from Madagascar to Jungle Kingdom and educated them on democracy. Penguin however told them a ruler must be very intelligent, eloquent, friendly with a sense of duty in order to rule their kingdom into success.

Goat raised his hind legs to be nominated but none acknowledged him. Many are those who castigated him saying “look at that naughty and stubborn soul on all fours seeking to be our ruler” after chuckling noisily. Peacock raised her feathers and drew the attention of all to nominate her. Some animals laughed while others angrily blurted out “How dare she? Does she think we are playing a feminine game here? To think she is one of the proudest animals in the jungle. What can she do for us? Does she think we will be satisfied just by looking at her feathers?” Then an elephant; Osonde, raised his hand, all the animals looked at him like a haunting vampire. Some shouted in their heads “Do we wish to be stepped upon?” But none was brave enough to say it out loud. Seeing the looks on the faces of the animals, he quietly but sadly lowered his hand. Many animals expressed their desire to step in the shoes of Eagle but were not supported. There were meetings upon meetings to ascertain the head that best fits the crown.

Three animals nominated Dove Dearie but the carnivores were not in support of the decision. They said they would be victimised if the pure Dove became the king of the Jungle Kingdom. Then two people selected Tiger Osebom which nearly caused commotion at the meeting. Herbivores complained bitterly that they would never feel protected having such king.

All the while, Lion Gyaas looked on and hatched a plan to be the winning candidate. While the meeting was ongoing, he stole bits and pieces from many animals. Different feathers from different birds, different skins of many animals, even pigs, struggled to cut many shells from many animals including one tortoise. Lion Gyaas decorated himself with all his stolen goods and looked like bits and pieces of all animals put together. On their last meeting for nomination, he stood in front of them, his skin totally lost beneath his apparel, and spoke thus:

The kingdom became as quiet as a treeless cemetery. All ears standing at attention to listen to the fresh voice filled with hope.

“We need to see each other as ourselves. Dogs are no different from the Nightingales although the former walk on all fours and the latter fly. Horses are no different from Lions although they differ in personalities; the former loving servitude, the latter loving freedom in wildness. The lizard is no different from the snake. In effect, we are all equal. We need to think alike, love each other in order to improve this kingdom. For all we know, the blood of different animals who were not allowed to finish their lifespan could be the cause of our woes”

All the animals clapped as some whistled. Some chirped noisily in agreement, some barked deeply from their throats, some hooted like royal drums, some hissed. It was a jubilation of onomatopoeiaisms.

Lion Gyaas continued:

“I stand before you as your brother, your father, your cousins, your family, your husband, your comrade, your friend, your defender, your protector and your ever submissive servant. I promise there will be no discrimination if you give me your nod to climb our royal stool. It is good that every soul here has a neck. A nod of a head for me is peace and growth. Penguin said “it gets lonely at the top” is a famous saying where he came from. I assure you that cannot work here as there is none to sit on the ground. Every one of us will be at the top”

More applause from the kingdom. If smiles and laughter could tear mouths, all mouths in the kingdom would have been shredded like weak rags as lion continued to woo.

“Just give me the nod dear Pigs, give me your nod dear Porcupines, give me your nod dear Sheep, give me your nod dear Dogs, give me your nod dear Fowls, give me your nod dear Ants, give me your nod, dear Swans and do tell sweet Fishes in the seas to help with their nods. I cannot mention all your names but I have them all written on my heart. I will not only take care of those on land and in the air, but work to boost the water levels of seas and rivers and make them comfortable. A nod for me will be an eternal freedom and protection. A nod from me will be a beauteous harmony in living, a nod from me will be an astounding lasting of breathes, a nod for me is your will which will culminate into your reward of living like the royals you are. “None Eats None” is my motto. Farming and adjusting our palates to plants and weeds is what I aim for. You all know how difficult it is for someone like me to live like that but I will live through it because of the love I have for you. Look at me, don’t you see all of you in this little me?”

More applause from the animals who were overwhelmed by the words they so desired and were receiving from Lion Gyaas. Just when Lion Gyaas was about to crown his words to dismiss the meeting until the Nodding Day, Eagle came in all his glory and strength to ask what was happening. Hardly had he touched the ground than thousands of animals pounced on him to kill him in cold blood. Every animal, except sheep, stepped on his carcass. As some spit on him, others defecated on him, some booted him until a dragon burned him with his lighted fire and burned him to ashes. More jubilation and applause followed.

“On this note, I have nothing to say. You see how our coming together has given us our first victory? We are now free from Eagle. As far as we are concerned, his family is nowhere near and can’t even trace their roots. So let’s consult our tree pillows, stone pillows, land pillows, water pillows, leaves pillows and take a wise decision on the Nodding Day slated for next week. Until then, may the gods of our ancestors bless us, the ghosts of all who died unfairly shape our thoughts. Thank you all.”Lion Gyaas concluded.

The animals dispersed. Little animals walking with shoulders raised, eyeing their predators with eyes filled with the message “We are all almost equal, Lion is our dream come true, our protector, our God, erase all thoughts of cravings of us, we won’t be your foods no more, pick not on us”. Some of the carnivores started thinking about the intensity of the implication that they must turn herbivores. The disdain and daring in the eyes of their “dishes” made their stomachs grumble. Yes, the shouting had made them hungry but the words of Lion Gyaas made it impossible to hunt in broad daylight in front of all eyes.

END OF CHAPTER ONE. CHAPTER TWO WILL BE PUBLISHED NEXT WEEK (Image taken from www.broadway.com)